Real Madrid’s manager José Mourinho rejected comparisons between his team and arch-rivals Barcelona, stating the LaLiga season is “a marathon” ahead of Sunday’s Madrid Derby. Barca have been in red-hot form as they have scored 28 goals in six league games.

On Wednesday, Hansi Flick’s team obliterated Racing Santander by 7-2. Barca are currently three points clear of Madrid after the latter suffered a 0-1 loss against Real Betis.

Furthermore, Madrid have twice needed late goals to bag all three points, which might be a cause for concern.

“Historically, culturally, Real Madrid can’t be compared to anyone,” Mourinho said, when asked if he was worried by Barça’s displays so far.

“So I won’t compare us to any team. I’ll speak about us, our problems, and the things we have to improve. In the few months I’ve been here, I understand that it’s more difficult all the time to hear something positive about Real Madrid.

“We’re aware of the problems we have, but we’re also very aware of the power we have, individually and collectively, of the very good things we have in our team. In the three games where we’ve got to the final minutes needing to score, we finished with an effort — physical and psychological — and determination.

“Apart from quality, this team has strength as a group. It’s a marathon. The league isn’t always a straight motorway, without obstacles. But we’ll be there.”

The Portuguese coach admitted it would take some time for Los Blancos to find their A-game under him, as he has recently taken over the reins.

“This is a process,” Mourinho said. “If coaches train for two, three, four, five, or ten years, and they talk about a process and evolution, imagine when we’ve been together for just a few months.”

Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday.